Riyadh Metro: Lines, Stations and Key Details

Riyadh Metro

The Riyadh Metro is a groundbreaking urban transport project designed to revolutionize public transportation in the Saudi capital. With six metro lines spanning the city, this ambitious network will significantly reduce traffic congestion and improve connectivity. Here’s a detailed guide to the lines, stations, and other key information about the Riyadh Metro.

The Network at a Glance

The Riyadh Metro spans 176 kilometers across 6 lines, connecting densely populated areas, government districts, and commercial hubs. As one of the largest urban transit projects globally, it integrates seamlessly with other public transport systems, revolutionizing mobility in the city.

Riyadh Metro Lines

The Riyadh Metro consists of six lines, each distinguished by a unique color. Below is an overview of each line, its route, total length, and the number of stations:

1. Blue Line (Line 1)

• Route: Olaya Street to Batha Street
• Runs north-south along Olaya and Batha Streets.
• Total Length: 38 km (24 mi)
• Stops/Stations: 24
• Key Features: Primarily underground through Olaya and King Faisal Streets, with elevated segments on Batha Street.

2. Red Line (Line 2)

• Route: King Saud University to Eastern Sub-Center (King Fahad Stadium area).
• Total Length: 25.3 km (15.7 mi)
• Stops/Stations: 14
• Key Features: Travels along King Abdullah Road, with an elevated alignment in the median of a freeway.

3. Orange Line (Line 3)

• Route: Jeddah Road (Al Madinah Al Munawwarah Road) to Khasm El Aan
• Total Length: 40.7 km (25.3 mi)
• Stops/Stations: 21
• Key Features:
  • Mix of elevated, underground, and at-grade sections.
  • Connects the western area near Jeddah Expressway to the National Guard camp in Khasm El Aan.

4. Yellow Line (Line 4)

• Route: King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) to King Khalid International Airport (KKIA)
• Total Length: 29.6 km (18.4 mi)
• Stops/Stations: 9 (3 shared with Line 6)
• Key Features: Serves as a key connection to the airport and KAFD. Mostly elevated.

5. Green Line (Line 5)

• Route: King Abdulaziz Historical Center to Riyadh Airbase (via King Abdulaziz Street)
• Total Length: 12.9 km (8.0 mi)
• Stops/Stations: 11
• Key Features: Fully underground. Connects historical and central administrative areas.

6. Purple Line (Line 6)

• Route: King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) to Prince Saad Ibn Abdulrahman Al Awal Road
• Total Length: 29.9 km (18.6 mi)
• Stops/Stations: 9 (3 shared with Line 4)
• Key Features: Primarily elevated except in certain sections like Sheikh Hasan Bin Ali Street. Forms a half-ring around KAFD.

Download the PDF map of the Riyadh Metro here for detailed routes and station locations.

Key Features of the Riyadh Metro

1. State-of-the-Art Stations

The Riyadh Metro boasts modern, eco-friendly stations designed for efficiency and passenger comfort. Many stations are equipped with:

• Air conditioning
• Escalators and elevators
• Retail and dining facilities
• Parking spaces

2. Driverless Technology

The metro will operate with fully automated, driverless trains, ensuring high safety and efficiency.

3. Integration with Bus Network

The Riyadh Metro is integrated with a comprehensive bus network “Riyadh Bus“, making it easier for commuters to access last-mile transportation options.

Key Stations of Riyadh Metro

The Riyadh Metro includes several key stations strategically located to serve major landmarks, business hubs, and residential areas across the city. Here’s a look at some of the most significant stations along the metro lines:

1. Olaya Station (Blue Line – Line 1)

• Location: Situated in the heart of Riyadh’s business district along Olaya Street.
• Significance: A major hub connecting passengers to commercial and financial areas, retail outlets, and hotels. The station is designed to handle a high volume of daily commuters.

2. King Saud University Station (Red Line – Line 2)

• Location: On King Abdullah Road, near King Saud University.
• Significance: This station caters to students, faculty, and visitors of one of Saudi Arabia’s largest universities. It also provides easy access to nearby residential districts.

3. King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) Station (Yellow Line – Line 4 and Purple Line – Line 6)

• Location: In the KAFD area, a major business and economic hub.
• Significance: A state-of-the-art interchange station serving two lines. It connects commuters to Riyadh’s central financial zone, home to modern skyscrapers and corporate offices.

4. King Khalid International Airport Station (Yellow Line – Line 4)

• Location: Terminals 1 and 2 of KKIA.
• Significance: This station ensures seamless travel between the airport and central Riyadh, offering a quick and reliable transit option for travelers.

5. Al Malaz Station (Green Line – Line 5)

• Location: Near the Ministry of Education and other government offices.
• Significance: This station serves Riyadh’s administrative and governmental district, providing efficient transport for employees and visitors to key ministries.

6. Imam Mohamed Bin Saud University Station (Purple Line – Line 6)

• Location: Located near the university campus.
• Significance: A key station for students, staff, and residents of nearby neighborhoods, offering convenient connectivity to educational and residential areas.

7. Batha Station (Blue Line – Line 1)

• Location: At the southern end of Line 1.
• Significance: Serving one of Riyadh’s busiest areas, this station caters to high-density residential zones and retail centers.

8. King Fahad Stadium Station (Red Line – Line 2)

• Location: Near the iconic King Fahad Stadium.
• Significance: Designed for large crowds, this station will be critical during sports events and concerts, making it easier for fans to travel to the venue.

Ticket Prices and Metro Hours

While the authorities have yet to announce the exact ticket pricing and operational hours, it is expected that:

• Ticket pricing will be affordable to encourage widespread usage.
• Metro hours will cater to both commuters and leisure travelers, likely extending from early morning to late evening.
• Stay tuned for updates from the Riyadh Metro authorities regarding these details.

Benefits of the Riyadh Metro

1. Reduced Traffic Congestion

The metro will alleviate pressure on Riyadh’s roadways, offering a reliable alternative to private vehicles.

2. Environmental Impact

With electric trains, the metro contributes to Saudi Arabia’s sustainability goals by reducing carbon emissions.

3. Improved Connectivity

The extensive network ensures that residents and visitors can travel efficiently across the city.

4. Economic Growth

The metro will stimulate economic activity by improving access to commercial hubs and boosting tourism.

When Will the Riyadh Metro Open?

The Riyadh Metro will partially open on November 27, with the first three lines set to begin operations. The remaining lines are scheduled to open by mid-December. This phased launch marks a major milestone in transforming Riyadh’s public transportation system, and residents eagerly await this revolutionary change in urban commuting.